West Brom v Wolves smoke bomb and crowd trouble prompts FA probe

Violent clashes at the Black Country derby between Wolves and West Brom, which saw missiles and smoke bombs thrown between rival fans, are to be subject to a Football Association probe, it has been announced.

Wolves fans let off smoke bombs and flares at West Brom (Action Images)

The crowd control officer who was present at the Hawthorns will report his findings to the FA on Monday, with the referee’s report and police statements to follow.

The investigation has been mandated after ugly scenes erupted before, during, and after the Sunday lunchtime game.

Home fans at the Hawthorns taunt the Wolves supporters after the game (AFP/Getty)

A smoke bomb was thrown from the visiting section into the home crowd – prompting the West Brom supporters to respond by throwing missiles back at the Wolves fans in retaliation.

Pictures emerged after the game of at least one fan with a bloody cut on his head, and police and stewards formed a wall at the final whistle to keep rival supporters apart.

The game had been moved to lunchtime on Sunday by local police amid fears of potential trouble, as well as for TV coverage of the relegation six-pointer.

Tensions were running high before the match even began, but the mood appeared to deteriorate further after the home side snatched a point against their rivals with an injury-time equaliser from Carlos Vela .

Carlos Vela celebrates his late equaliser for West Brom

The smoke bomb was thrown after that 92nd-minute goal, and an FA spokesman said: ‘We are awaiting the match officials’ report and we will be seeking observations from both clubs.’

The FA’s disciplinary panel will also investigate similar reports of off-field problems at Millwall after ugly scenes marred Middlesbrough’s 3-2 win on Saturday.

Referee Chris Sarginson had to stop the game at The Den on two occasions – and even considered calling the match off – after Boro goalkeeper Jason Steele and the assistant referee were the target of bottles and other objects thrown from the crowd.